La Peer Surgery Center Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve tried to anticipate and answer some common questions we receive from patients at our ambulatory surgery center.
How long will my same day surgery take?
Depending on the procedure and yourself there is no definite answer to this question. We will be able to give you a better idea after a consultation with one of our surgeons. For many procedures you can expect to be in the recovery center for 1 hour following your surgery. Please check with your surgeon about the specifics of your surgery.Will I be able to see my surgeon before my surgery at La Peer.
Of course, your surgeon will see you at the bedside before you are taken into the operating room, along with other preliminary meetings.

Can my family in the waiting room know what’s happening with me during my surgery?
If there is time before your surgery, one family member at a time can stay with you in pre-op room until we take you into the operating room. They can stay in the waiting room during your outpatient surgery. Our receptionist will also keep them informed of the progress of your surgery. After your surgery, your doctor will inform them about your outcome. When you are ready for discharge, one family member at a time can re-join you in the recovery area. Together, you will receive the nurse’s verbal and written discharge instructions.

Will I be able to speak to the anesthesiologist before my surgery?
Yes, our anesthesiologist will go over the anesthesia procedure with you the day of your surgery. Together you will speak about any health issues or any prior experiences that may impact you procedure.

Why can’t I eat or drink 8 hours prior to my surgery?
During surgery you must have an empty stomach. This is very important. Liquids or food in your stomach can put you at risk for aspiration, which can result in serious problems or possibly even become fatal. If you have mistakenly consumed foods or liquids 8 hours prior to your procedure, be sure to inform your anesthesiologist before surgery.

What medications or vitamins should I take the morning of my outpatient surgery?
Our surgeons and nurses will guide you on this before your surgery. We will discuss what specific medicines, herbs, and minerals you may be taking. We will then guide you on which ones need to be cut out of your diet for a period of time if need be. Be sure to take the least amount of water with any medications you are currently taking.

Why should I remove jewelry?
Metal on the skin may cause conduction when cauterization is used and may cause irritation to your skin. Removal of jewelry is very important for your safety while in the Operating Room.

What discharge instructions will I receive?
Our discharge instructions are different for each patient and each procedure. Your discharge instructions will be shared with you in the final steps of your recovery in the recovery room.

Why can’t I drive myself home after discharge?
The anesthesia and pain medicine you will receive will impair your ability to drive and make important decisions for about 24 hours. You will need a responsible adult to bring you to the La Peer ambulatory surgery center, receive your post operative instructions and then drive you back home or to the hotel you will be staying at.

Will I be able to recover by myself at home?
We highly recommend that you have a responsible adult supervise you for 24 hours after your procedure. This person must be able to aid you with your discharge instructions. The staff from La Peer will call you the next day for a follow-up. If you have any complications or side effects please contact your doctor immediately or call 911.

Insurance and Billing

We realize health care bills can be confusing. And you will likely have questions about what your insurance will cover and what will be your responsibility. For any questions about co-pays and deductibles and out of pocket expenses please feel free to call our billing department, who will be able to answer any of your questions prior to your surgery regarding any financial obligations you may have. Also we would like to inform you of the different services which will be involved in providing your care during your surgery. These providers will be billing your insurance for their respective services. Should you have any billing related questions before or after your outpatient procedure, please feel free to contact them directly through their contacts listed below:

Who are the important contact people for the various bills I will receive after my procedure:

Pathology (if biopsies will be taken during your procedure or tissue will be sent out for analysis)

Cedars Laboratory & Pathology
(866) 201-8509

Sterling Pathology
(800) 899-8480

GI Pathology
(888) 244-7284

UCLA Pathology
(310) 301-8640

OC Pathology
(818) 718-9505

Path MD
(424) 245-7284

Please note that La Peer Surgery Center does not perform billing services for Anesthesia or Pathology. They may bill your insurance and/or you separately. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

The following are some of our patients most frequently asked questions

What will I be expected to pay?
Patients are responsible for payments for their procedure. If you have insurance, we require that you pay your estimated deductible and co-payments prior to your surgery. We accept cash, personal checks (co-pay ONLY), VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express. We will bill your insurance carrier on your behalf.

Are payment arrangements available?
Yes, we offer a service that can help you secure credit to meet your obligation for co-payments.

What will my insurance cover?
Every insurance plan is different, so please contact our billing department at (855) 360-9119 and ask to speak with our insurance verifiers. They will be able to answer all of your questions as they will call your insurance carrier to verify your eligibility and to get authorization for your procedure. Find out if your insurance is one of the hundreds with which we have worked!

What if I don’t have insurance?
We offer a cash discount for surgery patients with no insurance. Payment is required at time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advanced.

Will my doctor’s fees be part of the surgery center bill?
No, the surgery center bill is only the facility fee. You will be billed separately by your doctor and anesthesiologist and for any laboratory fees.

Reviews

I had a great experience at the La Peer Surgicenter. The center is very new, nice and clean. Everyone was very kind, professional and accomodating. I was informed of the billing prior to the procedure. The billing was exactly as expected. I really can not think of a way for them to improve the quality Continue Reading

March 9, 2016

I had several procedures at La Peer. Each time my expectations from the previous experiences have been even better. From the admission to discharge La Peer is one of the best providers I have used.

March 9, 2016

My husband and I both had our colonoscopys here and had a very good experience. The staff was very friendly, and greeted us with smiles and a positive energy. My OR staff and anesthesiologist were wonderful. They made us feel safe and comfortable. We woke up easily with no nausea or vomiting, and was offered Continue Reading

December 1, 2015

“Fantastic facility with wonderful customer service – I felt I was in the best place for my procedure. Once waiting for the procedure, all the nurses really worried about how I was and if I was comfortable. My doctor was running a little late so the nurses called my husband to tell him to arrive Continue Reading

The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. Click here to learn more about our privacy practices.